Enhanced Pancake-style holster

[Lobo]

In recent posts I have described an adaptation of the welted seam to the Avenger style, and also to the pancake-style for semi-auto handguns. I have been pleased with the results, and I am pursuing a project of an enhanced pancake-style holster for production. This is a report on this application for revolvers.

Having made pancake-style holsters for many years, I believe that this might be the first truly significant improvement of that basic design. With that said, I also believe that this project involves nothing more than applying existing techniques to existing designs, and it is very likely that this technique has been done by others before me, so I am happy to share it with others. I have little concern that larger holster-makers will adapt this approach, as it involves considerably more work and a higher level of attention to detail in production.

Photos attached show the details of construction, with the welts cut and installed on the fore-and-aft seams of a pancake-style holster. The welts provide a number of enhancements:

1. The traditional pancake-style, made of two panels, utilizes belt slots. Those slots can create a significant lump under the belt, and there is a lump formed at the transition from the belt to the outer holster panel. The welted seam permits a tunnel-style belt channel fore-and-aft, with only one layer of leather beneath the belt. Also, the outer holster panel provides a smoother transition over which the clothing can glide with less obstruction. The finished holster lies significantly flatter over the belt.

2. The welt (8-9 oz. leather) provides approx. 1/8" clearance between inner and outer holster panels. This additional clearance permits the stitch-lines to be moved more closely into the outline of the handgun, resulting in a very tightly-fitted result. Also, the welted seam along the front of the holster provides a natural sight-channel, permitting the front sight to enter and leave the holster with little or no contact with the holster. This can be expected to reduce holster wear to the finish of the front sight, and also prevent shreds of leather stuck to the front sight (that can interfere with a proper sight-picture when aiming the weapon).

These pictures show the prototype of this model for a revolver (one for a semi-auto pistol is already in use for evaluation purposes). In addition to fitting the holster pocket to the revolver, the holster is pre-formed to the contour of the hip, and the belt channels are pre-formed to the belt width intended. These features can significantly improve comfort, as well as reducing the time needed to break-in the new holster.

This prototype is on its way to California now, where a very experienced revolver user will be evaluating the design for the next several weeks. I look forward to hearing his comments and critique.

[Creed]

looks very nice, thanks for the pics of the welt leather during the construction phase! It sure makes it easier to visualize how it works now (at least to a beginner like me)

Justin

[Denster]

Really nice looking holster Lobo. I'll be interested to hear the field reports. I see the potential advantages. Thanks for sharing.

[katsass]

LOBO; Fantastic and totally logical! I have made many pancakes over the years and have watched them evolve since the 60's into the present day version. This has to be the best design improvement for the pancake yet! Enclosed is a pic of a "cutting edge" pancake I made in Dec. '69. It's for a little Llama .380. The pic quality suffers because this is a digital of a 35mm photo, but you can see the difference between then and now. Congratulations! Mike

[Lobo]

LOBO; Fantastic and totally logical! I have made many pancakes over the years and have watched them evolve since the 60's into the present day version. This has to be the best design improvement for the pancake yet! Enclosed is a pic of a "cutting edge" pancake I made in Dec. '69. It's for a little Llama .380. The pic quality suffers because this is a digital of a 35mm photo, but you can see the difference between then and now. Congratulations! Mike

Thanks, Mike. It probably sounds like I am congratulating myself when I say it, but I believe that this is a considerable improvement over the traditional two-panel pancake style. Once I have the reviews in hand I intend to make any adjustments called for to the design and offer this as an option to my customers.

Best regards.

[katsass]

Thanks, Mike. It probably sounds like I am congratulating myself when I say it, but I believe that this is a considerable improvement over the traditional two-panel pancake style. Once I have the reviews in hand I intend to make any adjustments called for to the design and offer this as an option to my customers.

Best regards.

LOBO: I too believe that you have designed THE ultimate improvement in this style of holster, and deserve accolades. Would be interested in any adjustments you might feel the need to make....I just can't seen any. Please keep us posted after the reviews come in. Mike

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I think I'd try running the front loop a little further from the top strap, and a try a little less curvature in the rear wing of the holster. Those adjustments ought to keep the flared grips on Rugers and older Smiths from printing as much. Beyond that it's a nice evolution from the initial design concept.

[Lobo]

I think I'd try running the front loop a little further from the top strap, and a try a little less curvature in the rear wing of the holster. Those adjustments ought to keep the flared grips on Rugers and older Smiths from printing as much. Beyond that it's a nice evolution from the initial design concept.

Thank you for your input. I will pay special attention to the testers' comments on these points.

[Denster]

Lobo

I think you are really on to something here. I threw together a trial piece from some scraps this evening for a Taurus Slim I picked up at the gun show today. I allowed I/2 the frame thickness plus leather thickness and1/4 in fudge factor to the rear edge of the front wing loop and a little more on the rear wing. I can't believe how flat it lays and I can buckle in the same hole I use without a gun on. Way to go.

[BruceGibson]

In recent posts I have described an adaptation of the welted seam to the Avenger style, and also to the pancake-style for semi-auto handguns. I have been pleased with the results, and I am pursuing a project of an enhanced pancake-style holster for production. This is a report on this application for revolvers.

Having made pancake-style holsters for many years, I believe that this might be the first truly significant improvement of that basic design. With that said, I also believe that this project involves nothing more than applying existing techniques to existing designs, and it is very likely that this technique has been done by others before me, so I am happy to share it with others. I have little concern that larger holster-makers will adapt this approach, as it involves considerably more work and a higher level of attention to detail in production.

Photos attached show the details of construction, with the welts cut and installed on the fore-and-aft seams of a pancake-style holster. The welts provide a number of enhancements:

1. The traditional pancake-style, made of two panels, utilizes belt slots. Those slots can create a significant lump under the belt, and there is a lump formed at the transition from the belt to the outer holster panel. The welted seam permits a tunnel-style belt channel fore-and-aft, with only one layer of leather beneath the belt. Also, the outer holster panel provides a smoother transition over which the clothing can glide with less obstruction. The finished holster lies significantly flatter over the belt.

2. The welt (8-9 oz. leather) provides approx. 1/8" clearance between inner and outer holster panels. This additional clearance permits the stitch-lines to be moved more closely into the outline of the handgun, resulting in a very tightly-fitted result. Also, the welted seam along the front of the holster provides a natural sight-channel, permitting the front sight to enter and leave the holster with little or no contact with the holster. This can be expected to reduce holster wear to the finish of the front sight, and also prevent shreds of leather stuck to the front sight (that can interfere with a proper sight-picture when aiming the weapon).

These pictures show the prototype of this model for a revolver (one for a semi-auto pistol is already in use for evaluation purposes). In addition to fitting the holster pocket to the revolver, the holster is pre-formed to the contour of the hip, and the belt channels are pre-formed to the belt width intended. These features can significantly improve comfort, as well as reducing the time needed to break-in the new holster.

This prototype is on its way to California now, where a very experienced revolver user will be evaluating the design for the next several weeks. I look forward to hearing his comments and critique.

I think that's a real good idea. I like the sight track the welt creates, too.